5 Essential Qualities Every Administrative Assistant Should Have

06

Apr, 2017

Many successful businesses heavily rely on their administrative professionals. An administrative assistant can be the wizard behind the company curtain, helping the office run efficiently. A skilled administrative assistant can also help find new ways to lend support and make changes that benefit the company.

The best administrative assistants are not supporting players. These professionals add value that can make them a critical part of an organization.

So, what does it take to become an administrative assistant that a business can’t do without? Here are five qualities that an in-demand administrative professional should have.

Be an Industry Insider

An administrative assistant should know their industry’s three T’s – technology, trends, and terminology. A savvy administrator should not only be familiar with these concepts, they should also know how to use them to their advantage.

Trends – An administrative assistant should be knowledgeable on current trends in the industry. They should proactively consider how each of these trends can impact the company.

Terminology – An administrative assistant should know the language used in that business sector. This will allow the administrative professional to contribute to the conversations in the workplace from the start.

Technology – An employer would prefer to hire an administrative professional who is tech-savvy and well versed in the technology the company uses most. Businesses look for individuals who stay up to date on technology with training, in order to maximize the use of these tools.

Fine Tuned Technical Skills

All administrative assistants should at least know how to use Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook. They should also be able to create a PowerPoint presentation, organize a newsletter, and run a virtual meeting. These skills will put you a cut above the rest. A manager will certainly value an assistant that can handle HR applications, payroll, and accounting.

Administrative assistants should have a working knowledge of social media. This skill can be a major asset to an employer. Many small and midsize companies need help managing their Twitter feed or Facebook page. These businesses don’t have the resources available to hire a social media specialist.

Your social media knowledge can help a business build its online presence. This is essential if you want to stay in the game in your chosen market.

The best administrative assistants are not just there for support. They also add value by making themselves critical to an organization’s success.

Practices Artful Articulation

Communication skills are critical for success as an administrative professional. Often, the administrative assistant is a customer, vendor or client’s first point of contact. You may also be the company’s internal go to person.

An administrative assistant should be able to persuasively, clearly, and concisely communicate both in writing and verbally. This is a skill that hiring managers evaluate when seeking top quality administrative professionals. Artful articulation can help get results. If you’re interested in a career then check out these executive assistant jobs in Amsterdam.

Keep an Eye on the Bottom Line

Many companies are seeking administrative assistants who can find ways to cut costs and make the business more efficient. As administrative professional is on the front lines. They may negotiate contracts, select vendors, and manage the day-to-day operations in the business.

From this position, the administrative assistant has the perfect opportunity to find ways to cut expenses. By proposing ways to cut costs to others within the company, an administrative assistant can make themselves indispensable.

Think Outside the Box

A manager will appreciate a quick thinking administrative professional. Every day there can be a situation in the office that requires a fast decision, followed by immediate action.

If you can stretch your administrative capabilities beyond the skills listed in your job description, you will be positioned to handle many of the complexities in today’s workplace. This will make you indispensable to the company.